The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

'A worthy read that presents what the future holds if the right political choices are made.' - THULI MADONSELA

‘The future is not preordained. The right decisions by citizens, party members and political leaders can water the shoots of constitutionalism and democracy and propel the country onto the road of economic reform and growth.’ – ROELF MEYER

‘The lesson from these scenarios is plain: we will get nowhere being spectators, watching our country fall apart. This clearheaded and prescient study of the country’s problems and opportunities must motivate us to act.’ – NEAL FRONEMAN

South Africa is facing an extraordinary ‘polycrisis’. The dimensions of this crisis include an energy collapse, a failing rail network, weak education outcomes, interrupted water supply and the effects of decades of endemic corruption that have brought government to a halt.

But the country also has incredible assets: A wealth of sought-after minerals; an enviable constitution that protects rights and advocates social inclusion; an advanced financial and services sector; thriving agricultural and auto industries that compete with the best in the world; and, most of all, a strong-willed people who are determined to make life better through hard work, entrepreneurship and hustling.

The choice is stark: We either build on the positives and take the country forward or we will be overwhelmed by the negatives and end up as another Zimbabwe or Venezuela.

We have the people, the policies and the resources. What is missing is the political will to make the difficult choices that will save the country from disaster.

This book takes you on a journey which ends with one of three possible futures: The Good, The Bad or The Ugly.

Compiled by the Brenthurst Foundation and Roelf Meyer’s In Transformation Initiative and workshopped with high-powered leaders in business and politics, the scenarios have stimulated intense public interest as the country grapples with its mounting problems.

The good news is that there is a clear road towards a positive future. It will take courageous leadership and clear thinking to get there, but the ‘good’ scenario is tantalizingly within grasp.

RAY HARTLEY is the Research Director of the Johannesburg-based Brenthurst Foundation.

GREG MILLS is the Director of the Brenthurst Foundation.

MILLS SOKO is Professor of International Business and Strategy at the Wits Business School.